Politicians, drivers top New Zealand fatties list, say Weight Watchers

Thursday 20th September 2012

New Zealand's politicians and drivers are among the nation's most overweight people, according to a Weight Watchers At Work survey.

The nationwide survey found 70 percent of kiwis identified drivers as overweight or obese, followed by politicians on 63 percent. Some 75 percent of respondents said they're too exhausted to exercise when they get home from work, while 60 percent said eating healthy food and keeping fit costs too much.

"A sedentary work life is a big contributor to weight gain," Weight Watchers' Carole Pinker said in a statement. "It's imperative for businesses to think about their employees' wellbeing and health, especially with the current obesity epidemic."

"With most people spending upwards of 30 hours per week at work, there needs to be more support in the workplace to keep people healthy," she said.

Some 45 percent of kiwis surveyed said they work in a drinking culture, while more than half said they skip breakfast on weekdays.

The survey found fast food restaurants were closely located to about 60 percent of respondents' workplaces. That comes as Restaurant Brands', which operates the local Pizza Hut, KFC and Starbucks brands, reported this morning that sales had increased by 2.3 percent to $96.1 million in the 16 weeks ended Sept.10, led by an increase in Pizza Hut and KFC revenue.

Last year, a University of Otago nutrition survey found that 64.8 percent of New Zealanders are overweight or obese.

BusinessDesk.co.nz

Comments from our readers

No comments yet